Albanian Language Media:

• Kosovo’s institutional leaders congratulate independence anniversary (media)
• Secretary Blinken: Kosovo rightly proud of progress made in 14 years (media)
• Ambassador Hovenier: Kosovo’s progress nothing less than remarkable (media)
• Gervalla-Schwarz: There can be no compromise to the detriment of independence (RTK)
• COVID-19: 411 new cases, five deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Greek PM Mitsotakis: Greek stance on Kosovo unchanged (Tanjug, media)
• Vucic: I asked Greece to keep supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Tanjug, media)
• Kosovo independence from Serbian perspective (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic: Holding elections in Kosovo April 3 is crucial (TV Most)
• Serbian central election commission takes procedural decisions for elections (N1)
• Gouillon responds to media allegations on him (Kosovo-online)
• Covid-19: 24 new cases, one death registered in Serbian areas (Kosovo-online)

Opinion:

• Janjic: ”Kosovo’s status as an independent international public legal unit remains open” (KoSSev, Kontakt plus radio)
• Spahiu: ”Albanians do not give up independence, but they also do not respect the laws, the life of Serbs not easy” (KoSSev, Kontakt plus radio)

International:

• Muslim nations that refuse to recognize Kosovo are making a big mistake, says PM Albin Kurti (Arab News)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Former Infrastructure Minister Indicted Over Extra €53 million Highway Cost (Prishtina Insight)

Albanian Language Media  

Kosovo’s institutional leaders congratulate independence anniversary (media)

Kosovo leaders – President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Assembly Speaker Glauk Konjufca – congratulated the people of Kosovo on the 14th anniversary of declaration of independence. 

Osmani said that 17 February 2008 “once and for all” determined the fate of Kosovo as a sovereign and independent country. “I want to use this day to thank and honor all those who have given everything so that today we can enjoy the state we have, starting with the visionary and architect of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, President Rugova, who knew how to articulate the will of the people of Kosovo before the world and forge friendships that we still enjoy today and continuing with over 3,000 martyrs led by the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the Jashari family who sacrificed their lives so that today we can live freely,” she said.

She said Kosovo should face the challenges it faces united “as our history has shown every single time that only when we are united around the goal of making Kosovo a successful country, a country that can be there for its citizens, a country with which young and old, men and women, are proud of, can we truly be successful.”

Prime Minister Albin Kurti recalled the sacrifice of those that worked for the freedom of the people of Kosovo and its independence. “All those who worked and fought have left a permanent mark on our present and future, so we are all thankful and eternally grateful,” he said.

Assembly Speaker Glauk Konjufca said that 17 February is the most important day for Kosovo and that it “embodies the sacrifice of all generations for our political freedom.” 

Secretary Blinken: Kosovo rightly proud of progress made in 14 years (media)

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, issued a statement congratulating the people of Kosovo on the fourteenth anniversary of independence.

He said that “the enduring partnership between the United States and Kosovo is rooted in our shared democratic values.  As one of the world’s youngest democracies, Kosovo and its citizens are rightly proud of the progress you have made during these 14 years.  For our part, we are proud to support you in this effort.

Emphasising that Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty are “irreversible and inviolable”, Blinken noted that building resilient democratic and inclusive institutions requires persistence.  “The United States stands by Kosovo as it works to build a better future for its citizens.”

He added: “We look forward to Kosovo rightfully taking its place alongside its neighbors in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions and reiterate our support for the EU-facilitated Dialogue as the way to achieve an agreement on normalized relations centered on mutual recognition.

“We remain grateful for Kosovo’s leadership beyond its borders – for your generosity in hosting vulnerable Afghans and your contributions to global security and stability.

“I wish peace, prosperity, and good health to the people of Kosovo as you continue your democratic journey, and we further strengthen our steadfast friendship, together.”

Ambassador Hovenier: Kosovo’s progress nothing less than remarkable (media)

The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, said in his congratulatory message on the anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence that Kosovo is a trusted partner of the United States and that its achievements in 14 years are “nothing less than remarkable”.

“A vibrant democracy, a capable economy, and leadership Kosovo projects beyond its borders. The United States is proud to call Kosovo our partner and friend,” he said.

“Partners help each other,” he said and underlined the U.S. donation of 1 million vaccines and almost $10 million dollars of assistance to Kosovo as part of efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, as we celebrate this momentous day together, here’s my promise to you: the steadfast partnership we enjoy between our countries – between Kosovo and the United States – will only grow stronger in the years ahead.”

He said that this can be achieved through support for the EU-facilitated Dialogue. “We want to see Kosovo fully engaged in the region and integrated into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. This means reaching a comprehensive agreement with Serbia centered on mutual recognition WITHOUT sacrificing Kosovo’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, or violating its Constitution.

“It also means continuing to support the Kosovo Security Force’s development into a multi-ethnic, NATO-interoperable territorial defense force that is not only capable of defending Kosovo’s borders, but also, as it has already demonstrated, contributes to shared global security missions and supports an effective response to natural disasters.

“Second, by supporting efforts towards good governance, and further bolstering independent rule of law institutions, we want to help Kosovo as it continues to build resilient, efficient public institutions that deliver services and justice fairly to all citizens while rooting out corruption.

“Third, and finally, we will continue to assist you as you build a sustainable, dynamic economy. An economy that prioritizes energy diversification and enjoys a stable and sustainable energy supply; boasts a strong private sector; attracts foreign direct investment; protects the environment; and retains innovative talent.”

Gervalla-Schwarz: There can be no compromise to the detriment of independence (RTK)

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz said that there can be no compromise in the dialogue with Serbia that would undermine Kosovo’s independence. 

In an interview with RTK, she said that the United States position on the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is clear with the Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar noting that “parties are equal in talks and that the final agreement should include mutual recognition.” 

Minister Gervalla-Schwarz said that while compromise is necessary in negotiations, Kosovo has already made “painful concessions”. “The Ahtisaari package was the compromise for independence and I think this package gives the minority communities extraordinary equality.”

COVID-19: 411 new cases, five deaths (media)

411 new cases of COVID-19 and five deaths have been recorded in Kosovo in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said in its daily report. 2,582 persons recovered during this time.

There are 6,509 active cases of COVID-19 in Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

Greek PM Mitsotakis: Greek stance on Kosovo unchanged (Tanjug, media)

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said late on Wednesday his country had not changed its stance on the Kosovo issue, but that it wanted to see normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations and supported dialogue between the two sides.

“As far as Kosovo and the dialogue are concerned, I want to make it clear that the stance of my homeland remains unchanged,” Mitsotakis said at a press conference in Belgrade after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic yesterday.

“But we want to see normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations and that is why we support dialogue, as well as the efforts of EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak. We want a legally binding agreement reached that would be in the interest of both sides and create a more favourable atmosphere of cooperation in the Balkan Peninsula,” he said.

Mitsotakis also said that, albeit a brief one, his visit to Belgrade was a working visit that was rich in topics.

He said he expected a High Council for Serbia-Greece Cooperation to meet soon, after its session had been postponed due to an emergency in Greece.

Mitsotakis added that an upcoming visit to Serbia by the Greek president, scheduled for early March, was significant as well.

“The visits will confirm that Greece and Serbia are countries connected not only by geography and history, but also by faith and a common vision of a European future of our region,” Mitsotakis said.

See at: https://bit.ly/3GSG0Yx

Vucic: I asked Greece to keep supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said late on Wednesday he had had a very good and open conversation with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and that he had asked him for Greece to continue its policy of supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Vucic said Serbia would “always support the territorial integrity of Greece on land and at sea in line with international public standards.”

“That has been and will be Serbia’s policy,” he said.

Vucic said they had also discussed Serbia’s European path and regional affairs.

“We express particular gratitude to the Greek government for its support for Serbia on the EU path, in particular, at the last intergovernmental conference, at which Cluster 4 was opened,” Vucic said.

“We also discussed all regional affairs, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the situation in the region. Greece understands Serbia’s position, which is very important for us. I said we do not want frozen conflicts, but solutions that must be compromise solutions, and not ones imposed on Serbia,” Vucic said.

Vucic said bilateral trade with Greece continued to grow and had totalled 636 mln euros last year and added that he was confident it could reach 1 bln euros in the period to come.

He said there was enormous space for trade in services and noted that many Serbian tourists vacationed in Greece every summer and that Serbia wanted to attract Greek tourists.

He announced that the president of Greece would soon visit Serbia.

“I believe we can secure an even more significant number of arrivals by Greek investors in Serbia, just like I believe Serbian investors can go to Greece in more significant numbers in the near future,” Vucic said.

See at: https://bit.ly/3sLwhhB

Kosovo independence from Serbian perspective (Radio KIM)

Serbs in Kosovo, in particular those living south of the Ibar River respect Kosovo laws, have Kosovo personal documents, pay tax, vote on elections called by Kosovo and take part in the work of institutions, both at central and local levels, Radio KIM writes today.

Given all those facts, one could say that Serbs respect Kosovo independence, however, they are emotionally attached to Serbia and those who would admit that Kosovo is an independent state are rather rare commodity.

Kosovo Serbs think that their rights are not respected, they are being discriminated against at all levels, but also believe their Albanian neighbours are not that pleased either with the course of the situation, because by declaring independence not all their dreams have become true.

Gracanica residents, Radio KIM spoke with do not recognize Kosovo as a state, although they respect all possible laws and rules. They are also aware of the fact that the state of Serbia has no much influence on this territory.

“First of all, to me Kosovo is not independent. It has been 14 years since ‘independence’ but have they (Albanians) got whatever they wanted? Absolutely not. Is it going better for them? In my opinion, no. Are the Serbs in a good situation? Also not. Expecting establishment of a Community of Serb-majority Municipality is not impossible, is not an utopia, although I think nothing will come out of it. If it didn’t happen so far, it won’t happen any time soon either. Have the Serbs in Kosovo lived better before 2008, or after it, you would need to ask those who left from here. For me, it is ok, I want to stay here”, young man Stefan Milic said.

“The aim of Kosovo Albanians is mission impossible, an unachievable mission”, Suzana Andrejevic said.

On the other hand, there were also those who think that by self-declaring independence of Kosovo, Albanian achieved what they wanted, at least partially.

“The aim of Kosovo Albanians has been achieved. They achieved what they wanted, however Kosovo is not moving ahead. There is no return of displaced persons, so it is the same as in 1999. It is only them achieving their goal. The crime is flourishing. For the Serbs life in Kosovo was good before 1999, it was much better even for Albanians. They live nothing better now after 2008, then how they lived before 1999”, Nenad Nikolic said.

Rakocevic: An empty shell

Gracanica-based journalist and President of the Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS) Zivojin Rakocevic says that year after year an emptiness is being observed more and more and that the project of “Kosovo independence” is slowly sinking and there is no end to this decline.

“Albin Kurti managed to break down the last hope that the system may function. Now it is an empty shell to which he gives his totalitarianism, his point of view and ‘Greater Albanian’ ideas. At this stage, we can clearly distinguish only the ‘Greater Albanian’ concept and Kosovar integral concept in which we should live as such an amorphous mass”, Rakocevic said.   

Rakocevic added that “within such projection of Albin Kurti Serbs exist during religious holidays as an Orthodox mass within the framework of ‘Great Albania’ and something called Kosovar ideological project”.

“As far as Serbs are concerned they can survive only within their micro autonomies, getos and their own projections of freedom. If the ideology of “new Kosovo” failed in anything then it failed on the assumption that you should decide for others what freedom is. You can never dictate to the Serbs what their freedom is. It has been shown not only here, but also in the Balkans. Serbs have their own authentic identity, culture, their own forms of organisations and you can never and at no cost force them to (accept) Kosovar or ‘Great Albanian’ project”, Rakocevic underlined.

He also noted that despite all the aid the international community allocated to Kosovo for years, it is almost invisible.

Stojanovic: Ordinary people are getting more and more disappointed

Former Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and former mayor of Gracanica, Branimir Stojanovic opined that Kosovo leaders by declaring independence only fulfilled declarative goals they had at the beginning, but that their pursuits last rather long.

“There are those who believe the ultimate goal shall be achieved once the idea of “Great Albania” is fulfilled. In fact, this is what many of them still want and dream about. While ordinary people, when you talk to them, I believe are getting more and more disappointed, and perceive those last 14 years as sobering from a dream they had – that after 2000 the most underdeveloped province will become a new Switzerland”, Stojanovic said.

Touching on the quality of life of Serbs in Kosovo, Stojanovic said he believes they need to get institutionally stronger.

“In particular for those who are endangered, constantly attacked, discriminated against, whose rights are not respected, from property to religious rights. To such a person, an ordinary Serb, it would certainly be of importance to have an institution in which they would have stronger influence and enable them to have impact on their lives. Whether the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities will be formed, I do not believe it will happen any time soon”, Stojanovic said.

He added Kosovo authorities so far were not pressed sufficiently to implement obligations deriving from this agreement.

Rasic: Serbs had more important role in 2008

Former minister in the Kosovo government and former Kosovo Assembly MP Nenad Rasic said Kosovo is independent from the perspective of representatives of the institutions.

“They function on their own, have some sovereignty they declaratively emphasise all the time and it functions on paper only, while on the ground it is not that much, it is something different. Since 2008, we were much closer to the institutions, we had a more important role within the institutions, also political and social role compared to the times now”, Rasic opined.

He also said Serbs had greater rights prior to declaration of independence. He added Kosovo is lagging behind a lot, and is far from democratic society, although representatives of the institutions speak otherwise. However, he said, this drives Serbs away from institutions.

“Some may think now we got rid of the Serbs and we no longer need them, we have our statehood now. We do not need to negotiate, allow referendums, elections, none of that. Therefore, we have succeeded”, Rasic said, adding that rights of the Serbs are getting weaker, there is no full integration, and this is something that the international community, foremost the EU, are aware of.

Petkovic: Holding elections in Kosovo April 3 is crucial (TV Most)

Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic said holding elections on April 3 in Kosovo and Metohija is of crucial importance for Serbia, and that denying Serbs the right to vote in those elections could have unforeseeable consequences, TV Most reports.

He stressed the matter of voting is a fundamental human right, which “Albin Kurti is trying to deny to the Serbian people in the southern province, as well as all other rights that belong to them”.

“We will not silently observe what is happening in Kosovo and Metohija, we have repeatedly warned the international community, which is responsible for putting pressure on Albin Kurti and Pristina to hold elections on April 3. It is quite clear that if there are no elections on April 3, there will be no more Pristina’s elections in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. We will have unforeseeable consequences”, Petkovic said. 

He added that Serbs were not asking for anything special, but only for the elections to be held as in previous years, and that the officials of both Quint and EU defended the right of the Serbian people to vote, but that must not be kept in the form of a statement, but concrete action is necessary in order for us to have a result.

 When asked “what the self-proclaimed state of Kosovo looks like today”, Petkovic replied that Pristina has been trying unsuccessfully for 14 years to become a state.

“For us, it is an act of violence and an illegal act of secession from Serbia, so that independence is unacceptable. Most of humanity does not recognize the independence of Kosovo, and also a larger number of UN member states do not recognize it”, Petkovic said.

 He added “it was necessary to find a compromise solution for the southern Serbian province”.

He warned that the number of attacks on Serbs and their property has increased by 50 percent since Kurti came to power.

“Since Kurti’s arrival, we have 146 attacks on Serbs, on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. These are attacks on our children, elderly people, endangerment of lives, daily threats. This shows that the intensified anti-Serbian rhetoric in Pristina generates a very negative relation towards Serbs and hence so many attacks on Serbs”, Petkovic said.

He also pointed out that since 2012, when the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) came to power, 18 countries have withdrawn their recognition of Kosovo.

“Now, the majority of countries in the UN are against the independence of Kosovo. We are fighting in all ways to protect our people and fight for them as much as possible, but it is not easy because the pressures are great and will continue to increase”, he concluded. 

Serbian central election commission takes procedural decisions for elections (N1)

The Serbian Republic Election Commission (RIK) adopted procedural decisions required for the April 3 elections, N1 reports.

The RIK met in Belgrade on Tuesday evening and adopted decisions on the forms to submit lists of candidates for the parliamentary elections and forms for observers at those elections. It also defined the colour of the ballots for the parliamentary and presidential elections.

The RIK also gave its approval for polling stations for more than 2,500 voters and less than 100 voters.

Parliamentary and local elections were called on Tuesday by President Aleksandar Vucic and Parliament Speaker Ivica Dacic. The Parliament Speaker will call presidential elections early in March.

The Belgrade City Election Commission also decided on the forms to submit lists of candidates for the City Assembly and the forms for observers.

Gouillon responds to media allegations on him (Kosovo-online)

Head of the Directorate for Cooperation with Diaspora and Serbs in the Region, within the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and French humanitarian Arnaud Gouillon, in his reaction to the articles published by some Serbian media, said he got used to the attacks coming from Pristina, but that he felt hurt by the reporting of Belgrade and Novi Sad based media, in whose reports he was described as “propagandist and extremist”, Kosovo-online portal reports.

Earlier Balkan Insight and Vice portal published the report on Gouillon and his activities.

“When members of the Kosovo intelligence service arrested me on September 10, 2018 and placed me in a cell in a filthy container at Merdare crossing point, I asked them why they mistreated me? They responded it is because I am spreading propaganda in the world and added that Kosovo was an independent state. After that I received threats to me and my family and was banned from entering Kosovo and Metohija (…)”, Gouillon wrote on his Instagram profile.   

He further argued that Pristina perceives as propagandist anyone who talks “about existence of Serbian enclaves, witnesses violation of fundamental human rights of Serbs, Roma, Gorani and other non-Albanians who live under inhuman conditions in Kosovo and Metohija”.

“And if you provide concrete aid to them, then you are marked as extremist. Unfortunately, I am not the only one facing that. Much greater and more respected than me regularly face such accusations. Starting from Emir Kusturica to Peter Handke”, Gouillon said.

As he said, he got used to the attacks by Albanians and their powerful lobbies, which started 18 years ago when he established the humanitarian organisation Solidarity for Kosovo.

However, he further said, he got hurt by reporting of the Serbian media, marking him as a “propagandist”.

“Today a same political attack took place. Once again. However, today I am hurt more than usual. That is why I want to share with you what I think and feel at this moment. Today I was not attacked by Pristina, but from Belgrade and Novi Sad. I was not attacked in Albanian language, but in Serbian. In two articles, coordinately published on Voice and Balkan Insight websites I was accused of being propagandist and extremist. They stress that Kosovo is an independent state. Those articles filled with lies and insinuations, followed by the narrative of pro-Albanian media were immediately re-run by other agencies and media from Serbia, which cooperate with foreign governments”, Gouillon said.

As he said, the articles published by mentioned media outlets were full of randomly picked up names, years and numbers, and more look like “conspiracy theories” rather than “investigative reporting”.

“The author of the article can’t conceal an obvious hatred towards me, so he ideologically attacks everything I did in my life. Helping Serbs in the enclaves is defined as propaganda and extremisms and establishment of the “Initiative for Natality Rate and Remain of Youth in Serbia” as a form of fascism, while my statement that “natality rate is a number one problem not only in Serbia but in entire Europe” is termed as racist…..All insults and lies that were uttered about me and my humanitarian work I can endure, although it is not pleasant to read such things about yourself. But insults on the account of Serbs and Serbian diaspora that were uttered along exceeded any boundaries and represent a serious form of extremist rhetoric. They justify NATO bombing of Serbia and Serbian people under the pretext that the aim was “to prevent war crimes committed by Serbian forces”, he said.

Gouillon also added that by doing this “they repeat western propaganda from the nineties used to prepare their public for a war”, while consequences of that propaganda, as he further said, were bombs and depleted uranium.

“Words kill faster than weapons and we must not allow 23 years since aggression on our state propaganda and historical revisionism spread in our public”, Gouillon said. 

Covid-19: 24 new cases, one death registered in Serbian areas (Kosovo-online)

Out of 41 tested samples in the Serb-populated areas in Kosovo and Metohija, 24 tested positive for Covid-19, Crisis Committee of Mitrovica North announced, Kosovo-online portal reports.

At the same time, one person passed away.

The new cases were registered as follows: seven in Priluzje, six in Mitrovica North, six in Gracanica, five in Zvecan, three in Leposavic, and one each in Zubin Potok, Strpce, Kamenica and Pec.

Deceased person was from Zvecan. 

Currently there are 486 active cases in the Serbian areas in Kosovo.

Also, a total of 207 persons have died due to Covid-19 related complications since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Opinion

Janjic: Kosovo’s status as an independent international public legal unit remains open (KoSSev, Kontakt plus radio)

Director of the Forum for Ethnic Relations, Dusan Janjic told KoSSev and Kontakt plus radio, on the occasion of the fourteenth anniversary of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, that Kosovo does not have a full international public capacity as a single state with all functions and that mutual recognition is not necessary for a comprehensive agreement. In his opinion, for a comprehensive agreement, it is necessary to recognize the legal existence, not of “so-called Serbia” or “so-called Kosovo” or “false state”, but exactly as Vucic and Hoti signed in Washington – that it is “a negotiation between representatives of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic Kosovo”. This is the so-called factual recognition of existence, but not recognition of full international public capacity, Janjic said. 

Where is Kosovo now? What has changed compared to 2008?

”Just as this act was clearly defined internationally 14 years ago, as a unilaterally declared independence, that status has remained to this day. Therefore, Kosovo does not have a full international public capacity as one state with all functions. About 100 countries have recognized Kosovo, while other countries have not. Therefore, the problem of Kosovo’s status as an independent international public legal unit is still open, unresolved.”

How much is Kosovo de facto “independent” today?

”If we take into account the other side of statehood, which is called sovereignty, i.e. control of territory through state functions, we can say that Kosovo has progressed and it has, especially since the Brussels Agreement, formally established full sovereignty throughout the territory, with, of course, a de facto exception, which is not legally legalised, and that is the existence of ‘parallel’ institutions in the Serbian government system (municipalities, their presidents and some institutions outside Kosovo that deal with security).”

Serbs in Kosovo do not believe and do not support independence, so what is your message?

”It is logical that they do not believe and do not support, because they know very well in which environment they live. I can have various messages, so I can say “believe yourself and your eyes”, but at the same time what I said before is true – that Belgrade has powerful mechanisms of influence on the Serbian community – funding, especially leadership. So, if the status is unresolved in terms of international public recognition, I do not think Serbia, it is not necessary now, I can only give them one piece of advice: Live as you can and as it is safest for you, because everything else is at risk.”

Is there any place for a compromise between Serbs and Albanians, if Serbs will never agree to independence, and Albanians will not give up on it?

”If we consider that ultimate goal, there is generally no agreement, nor is anyone trying to achieve it. Of course, a compromise is possible, but to accept that this “full international recognition” will come in a while. As for the recognition of Serbia, i.e., the so-called mutual recognition, the Kosovo elite must understand the truth – Serbia does not need recognition after the Berlin Congress, after two centuries of existence. Kosovo needs that. As far as Serbia is concerned, it is very important for it to define the territorial framework, i.e. the issue of borders. We have seen an attempt to resolve this through division. This is obviously not possible in the existing international constellation. Therefore, a compromise should be sought in a high autonomy of Serbs, especially Serbs in northern Kosovo.”

In your opinion, can there be any progress this year when it comes to negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina?

”I do not expect any progress. The first thing I see are two political leaders. I do not see the political will. Both sides – Vucic and Kurti are playing on the status quo. So, don’t solve anything. Secondly, I do not see any initiative on the part of the EU, I even see blockades, disabling agreements and encouraging that status quo. However, what can be seen is the intention of America, together with Germany and Britain, perhaps bypassing the institutions of the European Union – we see that they are now appointing their special representative for dialogue – to try to achieve something.”

What can they achieve?

”They can possibly reach an agreement on a new format and the so-called resetting the discussion on the implementation of what has been done, or the mechanism for monitoring the implementations. It is possible to open some new questions, but to close the story with a comprehensive agreement. If recognition is desired, it is not possible in the next 10 years. If recognition is not desired and reaching agreements on decentralisation, border demarcation, freedom of culture, the Serbian Orthodox Church, education are wanted – a lot can be done this year and next.”

In your opinion, will there be a comprehensive agreement between Belgrade and Pristina and what could it look like?

”If we carefully read what is written in the Resolution of the General Assembly, in the talks on normalisation, and if it is respected what represents the EU negotiating framework with Serbia, and Chapter 35, the so-called mutual recognition is not necessary for a comprehensive agreement. So, the idea is to create conditions through full normalisation one day to talk about recognition in the classic sense of sending an ambassador, the statement of the Government…”

Is that realistic?

”I know that politicians of this kind, which we have now in the Balkans and a good part of Europe, it is not appropriate for them to leave this line of possible confrontations; so, I do not expect it from the current teams, but I expect America to press the EU, because they are more pragmatic, as Trump was, and to point them in that direction. We already see a sign of that, where America is giving up pressure on the EU and EU countries to recognize Kosovo, but that is why it is working on, e.g. that both Kosovo and Serbia join NATO. This means indirectly recognizing Kosovo’s capacity to cover the security sector in the Balkans, which Serbia cannot and has not covered.”

”There are many options to reach an agreement on what is possible. I don’t see any reasonable person who would change something for nothing. I do not see why Serbia would go for mutual recognition if it is internationally recognized. That is the problem of Kosovo. It must solve it. In my opinion, to get a majority through America and others and to run for the UN, and not Serbia to be harassed. So, in Serbia, whatever leadership would recognize Kosovo in that unconditional sense, would make a big mistake, because at that moment there would be no players on that scene and then the issue of Kosovo and further development of Serbia through Kosovo would be determined without Serbia’s participation. So, it is not pragmatic, it is not right in principle, and on the other hand, there is no example of a country that lightly acknowledged the secession of part of its territory. That is a fact, and we need to find a model for full normalisation of relations, and that is the path we need to take. It was formally described in the Resolution, in the first Brussels agreement. So, we need to go to the second, third agreement, and one day to that final, comprehensive one.”

Spahiu: ”Albanians do not give up independence, but they also do not respect the laws, the life of Serbs not easy” (KoSSev, Kontakt plus radio)

University professor from South Mitrovica, Nexhmedin Spahiu told KoSSev and Kontakt plus radio that in 14 years ”Kosovo has become more independent every year, due to the strengthening of state consciousness, which is going slowly, but is progressing because the institutions are strengthening”.  In his opinion, it is necessary to understand why Serbs do not accept ”the independence of Kosovo” – they lived for almost 100 years in their own state, which taught them privileges. They are used to respecting those institutions and the law. On the other hand, Albanians have been fighting against these laws for 100 years because they were not to their liking. Now as the majority in Kosovo, they have their own state, they still do not know how to behave and that is why they are working against the laws that they introduced themselves. For Serbs, life is not easy in conditions where the majority is inclined not to respect the laws. However, although neglected, Serbs in the municipalities they govern tend to violate the rights of other communities. And they must understand the reality of living with other communities, especially with Albanians, and that it is normal for a majority to rule in one society, said Spahiu.

He spoke for KoSSev and Kontakt Plus on the eve of February 17, the day when the Kosovo Assembly declared independence in 2008 with a unilateral act, which was recognized today by the leading Western countries, but still not by Russia and China.

Where is Kosovo today? What has changed compared to 2008 and is Kosovo independent and how independent is it?

”Small countries, i.e. small states can only be formally independent; they are not essentially independent. For small countries, independence implies its potential strength – economic, military, etc. On the other hand, when we compare Slovenia with Kosovo, it is a small country with a slightly larger population than Kosovo, but much more independent than Kosovo, due to the size of the institutions operating there, and the economic power, and we can say that Slovenia is independent in the full sense of the word. However, in 14 years, Kosovo has become more and more independent every year, due to the strengthening of the state consciousness, which is going slowly, but is in progress due to the strengthening of institutions.”

What do you think about Serbs not supporting Kosovo’s independence?

”Serbs should be understood because they lived for almost 100 years in their own state of Serbia, which taught them that they have full privileges and a lot of things that they received precisely because of that fact. But they must understand that in a normal world, the majority is the one who rules. It is a situation of peoples, communities and historical events that follow the various circumstances, and which do not depend only on military, or, perhaps mere luck, or because of experts. Serbs in Kosovo need to understand what the reality in Kosovo is – that they must live with other communities, especially with Albanians, who have a different culture, a different level of civilization. I’m not saying the level is lower or higher, but it’s different.”

What do you mean by “civilization level”?

”When we say the level of civilization, it means respect for institutions, laws. For example, Serbs are used to respecting institutions, to respecting the law, while Albanians have been fighting for 100 years against those laws that were not to their liking. And now, when they have their own state, they do not know how to behave and because of that they continue to work against the law, but now against the laws that they introduced themselves. In such a case, life is not easy for Serbs, who live in a society whose majority tends to disobey the law.

Kosovo authorities, such as the President of Kosovo, have consistently emphasised that “minorities enjoy great rights” and that “minority rights are at an extremely high level”. So, is there any progress in that after 14 years

If we look at the Constitution and the laws that have been passed, then the President is completely right, but if we look at their implementation, then of course it is a completely different matter. It is one thing to write laws on paper and it is another to act according to the law.

And that is not the case in Kosovo. However, all minority communities in Kosovo are different, although on paper they are equal. They have all the rights under the law and the constitution, but on the ground, for example, the position of the Bosniak community is perhaps the worst, perhaps Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian, while the position of the Turks is by far the best, because they are protected by Turkey, they have no problems with the majority community, so their position is still better than all communities.”

In your opinion, what are the rights of Serbs like?

”As for Serbs, since they live in areas where they rule in their municipalities, it allows them not only to exercise their rights on their own, but also to violate the rights of other minorities such as the use of bilingualism – which is completely neglected in the north. The inscriptions are not bilingual as prescribed not only by the Constitution of Kosovo, but also by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia for the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

At the same time, bilingualism is not respected in the Kosovo Parliament either…

Well, there are many examples where we cannot say that Serbs are the most skillful to win all the rights that stand on paper. In any case, their position compared to Bosniaks in Kosovo is far better. Not all rights are respected, but Serbs have a better position than other minorities.

Can a compromise be reached between Serbs and Albanians, if Serbs never agree to independence, and Albanians do not want to give it up?

Of course, someone who achieves something will not give up from it, it is a natural thing.

But, as for the question of whether and when Serbs will accept the state of Kosovo, it depends on many things: the behaviour of the state of Serbia, the attitude, how much the Albanians in Kosovo, as the majority community, will lend a hand to them, what are they offering to them. Then, do we believe that the government in Kosovo – if they come to power, can offer Serbs better than what Serbia offers them – of course the Serbs in Kosovo will accept that, because every normal person and every normal community accepts what is in their interest. But I think the Serb community in Kosovo is still neglected. Albanians, as the majority community, have not achieved such a Kosovo society.

On the other hand, Belgrade is more worried about how to manipulate them, and it realises some of its interests, than the Serbian community in Kosovo realising its interests. One of the proofs of that is that instead of President Vucic saying – that you Serbs in Kosovo democratically choose those you want, we will cooperate with them, help fraternally all those structures, all those institutions that will be the product of your free choice, he pushes his party in Kosovo. Well, the one who is not for that party, he is a traitor, and that is not in line with the interest of this community in Kosovo; because for one community to make progress, it must be free, it must choose its people of its own free will, and not with those imposed on them.”

What is your prediction of the outcome of the dialogue? Will there be a dialogue at all this year? How could the so-called comprehensive agreement look alike? 

”I hope that it will end, but it is difficult because it depends on only two people for now – Aleksandar Vucic and Albin Kurti, who are not really people who could reach an agreement. An agreement requires two parties, and in this case, we do not have a single party that would be inclined to an agreement. I think that both are difficult as characters, as personalities, and it is not easy to get them to make an agreement. And yet they have the greatest power and support in their own states. What could be the deal? I think we have the views of the West and the views of Russia. Russia’s position is that Belgrade and Pristina agree, and it’s okay for them.”

International

Muslim nations that refuse to recognize Kosovo are making a big mistake, says PM Albin Kurti (Arab News)

Fourteen years ago, the Republic of Kosovo declared its independence and became the world’s newest country. Backed by its main ally, the US, and protected by a UN-mandated NATO presence, Kosovo enters its 15th year of independence facing several challenges — and some clear and present dangers, too.

Despite the backing of some of the world’s biggest and most influential states, Kosovo is still not part of the UN and is recognized by fewer than 100 of the 193 UN member states. Even though it is located in the heart of Europe, and enjoys huge support from the EU, it is still not a member of the union and Kosovars do not enjoy visa-free travel across the continent.

The main cause of most of Kosovo’s pains is the deep-rooted historic rift with its northern neighbor, Serbia. Both countries were part of the former Yugoslavia and, following its break-up, endured a bloody decade of fighting in the Balkans during the 1990s.

Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo or apologize for the atrocities of the 1998-1999 Kosovo War, which only ended after NATO intervened. The current standoff and mutual non-recognition prevent both countries from joining the EU, five members of which still do not officially recognize Kosovo.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3uX2lSD

Humanitarian/Development

Former Infrastructure Minister Indicted Over Extra €53 million Highway Cost (Prishtina Insight)

The Special Prosecution has indicted the former Infrastructure minister and two other former officials over the allocation of an additional 53 million euros for Bechtel & Enka to build a highway.

The Special Prosecution of Kosovo has filed an indictment for abuse of official position against a former Minister of Infrastructure, and two other former ministry officials, over the allocation of an additional 53 million euros to Bechtel & Enka to construct the highway connecting Kosovo and North Macedonia.

The government’s decision in 2008 to allocate another 53 million euros for the US-Turkish company to build the Arbën Xhaferi highway has resulted in an indictment filed against former minister Pal Lekaj, former ministry official Nebih Shatri and Eset Berisha, Lekaj’s chief-of-staff, all suspected of “abuse of official position or authority”.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3BsaBei